A very special summer season started a few days ago! On 15^th May 2021, the government launched officially the tourism season in Greece. People are tired of a months-long, rigid quarantine, thirsty to go on holiday, met new places and experience new moments.

Greece and especially Crete is a destination which has much to offer to the Greeks themselves and to visitors from other countries.

This unprecedented situation has helped us by giving us the – the Balos Travel team – to see our services again, improve and enrich them, and of course take into consideration and study the suggestions, comments and advise of all of you visitors, friends and colleagues. So in view of the need of a real reboot and with the natural heavens of Crete and Chania in particular, we are here to travel, walk, swim, taste, host and discover together the beauty of our place.

We are here readier than ever and introducing our services for the summer of 2021.

SERVICES – SUMMER 2021 – DAILY TOURS

• Daily tours such as Samaria gorge, Elafonisi, Knossos, Santorini etc. for individual customers or groups with various departures from Kissamos to Chania.
• Cruises to Gramvousa and Balos – Ticketing and information on the daily cruise in the Balos lagoon and the island of Gramvoussa.
• Mountain bike renting – which can be delivered directly to your hotel or picked up from our office.
• Cooking classes and wine tasting on a small traditional farm near Kissamos. A tour on the olive groves, the orchard, the vegetable and the herb garden, the chicken and sheep pen and the small cellar. Afterwards the Cretan products are presented and our customers cook with us and taste local tastes. At the end of the afternoon they all have dinner together.
• Private cruise ships with luxury boats, avoiding crowds and travelling comfortably, as well as private transportation by minivan and luxury buses all over Crete to all accommodations on the island – Private excursions on all sights and beaches of Crete – Group transport.
• Our office also provides information on itineraries and tickets issuing by all shipping and airlines companies.

Our office follows all the special health protocols under which tourism enterprises operate in the context of measure against the COVID-19 pandemic.

With regards

Balos Travel team

 Tel.+30 28220 22900 – fax.+30 28220 22970

Mob.+30 694 7091549

Mail : info@balos-travel.com

Mail 2 : balostravel@yahoo.com

Site : www.balos-travel.com

Balos Travel

General Tourism Services

Kissamos Iroon Polytechneiou 131

According to tourist predictions, this season like the previous years is expected to be… even better than the last. The hundreds of beaches of Crete have rested, their waters have been refreshed as well as nature itself, in order to welcome all these visitors who honor with their presence this blessed island.

The earth has rested in order to be cultivated again and offer its unique nutritious and tasty peculiarities. The Mediterranean diet is now a standard model of healthy eating in Crete and especially Kissamos has a prime role in it. So the world of tourism is indissolubly combined with the agricultural sector to offer the experiences of the Cretan dietary conditions to all visitors.

The entire mechanism and the tourism chain is currently on hand, so our office has begun planning for this season.

The farm with the traditional cooking lessons is preparing the gardens, the cutting of woods, pruning and all the necessary tasks.

The fleet of mountain bikes has been renewed and from the beginning of March cycling tours in Balos and Falassarna have begun, since this period is ideal due to mild weather conditions.

The cruise to Gramvoussa and Balos starts on 24 of April but the reservation system is already at your disposal.

At about the same time the organized excursion to Elafonisi begins, while the National Forest with the unique Samaria gorge opens on May 1^st.

At the beginning of April there will be available through our website the rest of the alternative activities such as: diving, wine tasting, walking excursions, private cruises, scup lessons and more.

Browse our website and our facebook page to be informed with our news.

The Balos Travel team wishes you a happy summer and a good 2018 season!!!

Last September we had the great pleasure to host 21 travelers from United States of America, to our family’s farmhouse in Metochi (a small village near the town of Kissamos).

Eleni Saltas was the one who booked this Cretan Traditional Cooking Lesson , for herself and her 20 fellow travelers!

Eleni and many of her friends have Greek roots and although living in United States, they love the Greek way of living! They all enjoyed their evening with me and my mother and that made us feel so happy and proud!

We would like to thank them all once again for join us to our cooking lesson but most of the greetings  goes to  lovely Eleni who decided to write an article about this experience to her wonderful blog!

That’s a very interesting blog about fitness, healthy way of living and great greek recipes!

You can visit Eleni’s blog and read her post about Cretan Cooking Class, here.

Eleni

I don’t travel often but I still know people from all around the world!

People who love my town and select it for their vacation. Many of them return back every year! They love our climate, our culture, our beaches, the sun and also our rich cuisine! They know it is the most representative sample of the Mediterranean diet, but apart from that, they love the different tastes they try.

During the cooking class, I share with our visitors stories and customs of Crete, I explain to them how our pristine olive oil is produced, the wine, raki, and other local products.

At the end of the evening, when they say goodbye I feel that I spent an evening with some good friends!

I feel so wonderful later on when I reading the positive comments they write to us! Especially when someone spends time to write on his webpage about the cooking experience we had together!

Along with Carlota and her husband Thomas, a couple from Spain, we cooked together on June of 2015, in one of our Cretan Traditional Cooking Lessons.

Today, two years later, Carlota created a nice and interesting blog with subject the food and the traveling experiences around the world. So she wrote an article which describes the evening we spent together!

I would also like to publicly thank her for visiting us and even more, for deciding to share her experience with the readers of her blog!

Visit Carlota’s blog and read the article here.

Eleni

A visit in Crete on September is definitely the best choice. All of the September tours are available without so much crowd like the previous 2 months. The weather conditions this time of year are warm but without heatwaves and high temperatures.

The tours with buses to Elafonisi beach, Samaria Gorge and Knossos Palace take place every day while the same applies for Gramvoussa and Balos but with reduced itineraries.

At this period hiking and cycling tours take place with guide or without, simply with our instructions. The renting of a bicycle costs only 9 euro for all day and you are given the chance to venture the mountainous or coastal countryside of Kissamos. If your rental is for more days, there is a discount in the price and therefore more advantageous.

Apart from the tours, this time of year offers the visitor multiple activities which relate with nature, dance and music or gastronomy (eg Cretan Traditional Cooking Lessons). On September you can easily attend the traditional ‘’grape stomping’’ and enjoy the traditional wine making as well as the Cretan hospitality.

September and October usually have pleasant weather accompanied with short and small rains, we hope for this year too for the usual temperatures.

Have a nice staying and good ventures.

The overloaded August comes slowly to an end and we are ready to welcome our beloved September. The occupancy of August like every year is admirable. All of the daily tours need to be booked several days before. For this reason the daily cruise of Gramvoussa & Balos make every day extra timetables in order to serve its customers. So take care of your bookings on time!

For your transport by ship or plane if you have not booked your tickets yet, it will be very difficult to find available places while the same applies for your accommodation too. Our office is at your disposal to help you with your bookings whether for a tour, a ticket or your accommodation.

Crete which is one of the most popular holiday destinations has managed in the last year to extend the summer season until end of October, while September rivals August in occupancy.

Especially for the daily tours of Gramvoussa & Balos, Samaria gorge and Elafonisi, the nice temperatures of September keep the occupancy in high levels and that makes the booking important.

In our website (www.balos-travel.com) you will find all the details necessary for the booking procedure. You will have to fill in the Request Form for the corresponding tour and we will answer you as soon as possible. We hope your vacation in Crete and especially in the region of Chania to be long remembered.

At your disposal

Balos Travel Team

Rokka is a semi-mountainous village that belongs to the Municipality of Kissamos. It is located 12 km from Kissamos and 39 from Chania. It’s a small beautiful and hospitable village which after the active effort of the organizational committee and in cooperation with the Co-organizers: Region of Crete, Municipality of Kissamos, Municipality of Platanias, Cultural Association of Kera ‘’Antonnousa’’, Orthodox Academy of Crete and The Ephorate of Antiquities of Chania offer us every year the opportunity of  unique and nostalgic music nights.

Kera is a neighboring village of Rokka. Thus the two villages are considered to share brotherly – links. Since the begging Kera was a staunch supporter and aid in the creation of the Feasts of Rokka. Together with Rokka they offer us the opportunity to watch and hear every year this unique social and cultural activity.

The Feasts of Rokka begun for the first time in the summer of 2013 and ever since with the beautiful background of the full moon attract a lot of people not only Greek but abroad as well.

This year the events will begin from today 24 of July and will be completed on 7 of August.

In more detail:

Monday 24 of July

20:00 Official beginning of Feasts of Rokka, with the participation of local musicians.

Program presentation. Display of local products.

21:30 Music initiation with traditional songs from Georgina Tsontaki and Nick Stamataki.

Music night with Psarantoni and Psarogiorgi. Along with them Yiannis Papatzanis and Yiannis Polychronakis

23:30 At the end of the night the club ‘’Friends of Astronomy of Crete’’ will organize observation of the new moon and the sky with telescopes to the archaeological site of Rokka.

Wednesday 26 of July

19:00 Acts for children. Initiation and registration of children’s art workshops with the coordination of the school counselor Maria Drakaki.

20:30 Choirs of the music school of Chania.

21:30 Summer night’s dream of William Shakespeare from the Theater Company Thesis

Monday 31 of July

20:00 Tour to the archaeological site of Rokka and its picturesque alleys.

21:30 The village sings with the music group ‘’Kath odon’’

Wednesday 2 of August

20:00 Display of local products

21:30 The Theater Team ‘’Idea’’ presents the performance ‘’the tree of Oedipus’’

Saturday 5 of August

9:00 Organized tour in the gorge of Rokka.

21:30 Presentation of sculptures from the participants of the sculptor Aspasia Papadoperaki.

Monday 7 of August

21:00 Concert with the soprano Myrto Papathanasiou and the bass Christoforos Stampogli.

Athenian Concert of Youth coordinated – ASON. Coordinated by Pavlos Stergiou.

For more details visit the official website of “Giortes Rokkas”

A few days earlier a young man came to our office and asked us to help him in order to make a surprise to his girlfriend. The purpose of the surprise was to make her a special marriage proposal.

So I suggested him a private cruise to the wonderful beach of Falassarna during the sunset.

In complete ignorance to the girl, we organized everything along with the skipper.

The young man asked her to go for a meal to a tavern located near the small port in Falassarna. ‘’Accidentally’’ the waiter talked to them about a friend of his who is making private cruises with his boat. The young man asked the waiter to show him where exactly the boat was docked and so he went with his girlfriend to see it.

By the time she realized what was going on she was already on board!

There, enjoying the fresh fruits and wine and having the beautiful sunset on the background asked her to marry him!

And of course she said the so desired YES!!

The next day they came by our office to thank us about the organization.

What a wonderful feeling, to share the happiness of two young people that through a small journey to the sunset are starting together the long and fascinating journey of life.

If you want your holidays and your stay in Kissamos or Chania to be special contact us to suggest you something special! Send your wish to our contact page!

Eleni

Kissamos or Kasteli is a small town in Western Crete, at the northwestern edge of the island. Kissamos, which many still refer to it with its old name Kasteli is located in the middle of the gulf of Kissamos, 43km from Chania.

Kissamos at first look seems to be a town with only a few fascinating things to do, however the reality is totally different. Don’t forget that at the west shore of Crete there are some of the most popular sights of the island, such as Elafonisi, Falassarna, Balos and Gramvoussa.

Kasteli is a small town of 2000 population, with services, banks, post, many shops, cafes and taverns, a small fishing port and a big port.

It’s a bustling place that can easily cover the needs of a visiting tourist.

Arriving in Kissamos you see the big grey sand which spreads towards the town and the rocky shore to the west.

At the western part there is the main road, Iroon Polytechneiou street, full of stores and super markets (our office is located in this street at the number 131 – Balos Travel website). However the heart of the city during the summer months – or during the whole year when the weather is fine – beats at the coastal road close to Tzanakaki square which is for pedestrians at its biggest part and cars are prohibited. It allows the visitors and citizens to enjoy a walk near the sea.

The region of Kissamos is quite fertile, rich in the production of olive oil, grape, wine and raki as well. Since its first historical years, the town played an important role as the capital of the area and financial center of the province of Kissamos and county of Chania.

The port here is located outside of the town and is also a link of Crete with Peloponnesus and Piraeus, connecting the county of Chania with Kithira, Gythio and Kalamata.

Also the ships which make the daily cruise to the island of Gramvousa and the Balos lagoon depart from this point.

How to get to Kissamos

From Chania to Kissamos. If you are in Chania you can take the national road leading west to Kissamos and you will reach the town after 45 km. The road is fine and after 30 minutes you will reach your destination.

From the airport of Chania. Follow the road from Souda in order to get to the highway and keep driving west. The same for those who want to travel from the port of Souda to Kasteli.

Taking the bus from Chania. Access to Kasteli is also attainable with the public buses ΚΤΕL from Chania, with connection every one hour during the summer months and frequent timetables the rest of the year.

Kissamos offers a lot of food and drink options, our office suggests the best, combined with nightlife and beautiful beaches.

Telonio beach

The beach of old Telonio is located along a pedestrian street next to the sea 100m north from the town’s center. It’s a meeting point of the locals but of visitors of Kissamos as well. There you will find traditional taverns, restaurants, fast food and cafes next to the sea with view the infinite blue of Kissamos bay.

Start your morning with café, juices, ice cream or a sweet in one of the cafes.  For lunch or dinner you can enjoy the traditional Cretan cuisine in one of the restaurants while late in the night the bars will provide you with ample drink and music for every taste.

Skalidi Street

The picturesque Skalidi street with its small commercial stores used to be the old town’s center ‘’old market’’ (agora) as today. The trademark of the market is the architecture of the preservable buildings with the traditional arches. Here you will find traditional cafes, restaurants, internet café. Don’t miss to visit the commercial shops for souvenirs and mementos.

Mavro Molos

The main beach of Kissamos where most locals choose for swimming. It is located northwest (1 km) of Kissamos and it is a big bay which used to be the port of Kissamos in ancient times.

It’s sandy with shallow waters while a few meters from the sea there are many cafeterias, bars, taverns and hotels. It is an organized beach with umbrellas, loungers, baywatch, shower and blue flag.

Limni (small port) and Kavonisi port

This small picturesque fishing port of Kissamos (1.5 km from the center) with fishing tavern and café is the main element of the traditional side of Kissamos, with its small fishing boats attracting a lot of visitors who want to try fresh fish.

2 kilometers further from the small port you will meet the main port of town named Kavonisi port. Here is where the ships depart for the daily cruises of Gramvousa and Balos, ships for private cruises and the ship of Lane Lines with destinations to Antikithira, Kithira, Peloponnesus and Piraeus. In the port of Kissamos you will find a traditional tavern with delicious fresh fish and sea food in a beautiful environment.

Drapanias

Drapanias is a coastal village with relatively small touristic development especially the last years with only a few and small hotels, apartments to let and a camping. Along the road in the beach of Drapanias there are many café-restaurants in which you can enjoy your food or drink next to the sea. Here lies the magnificent villa of Trevizan.

Kaliviani

Kaliviani is a picturesque village west of Kissamos (around 5 km) developing in the last years with many hotels, houses for rent, villas and rooms. In Kaliviani there are cafes and some of the best taverns of Chania with traditional Cretan food where during the summer period you will have to go very early in order to find a seat! Apart from the traditional tavern you will also find taverns with more creative cuisine but based on the Cretan tradition and local products.

Kaliviani is the last village before the Balos lagoon. Hundreds of people go from this point without this, however, meaning that it loses its identity. It is definitely a picturesque village that you shouldn’t miss.

Platanos – Falassarna

The village of Platanos is the biggest village of Kissamos 9km away and close to the Falassarna beach. In Platanos you will find exceptional taverns and cafes, super markets, gas stations, pharmacy, bank and of course very good bakeries that you should visit.

Falassarna is only 5km from Platanos in an enjoyable route with stunning amphitheatrical view. The beach is one of the most famous in Crete, the biggest in Kissamos and of course worthy of the blue flag.

On your way you will find many good taverns while next to the sea there are many Café snack bars where you can enjoy the enchanting sunset listening to summer music. Later in the afternoon you can enjoy more music and a lot of happenings.

Nopigia

A few kilometers before Kissamos (around 8) there is the coastal village of Nopigia. The options in Nopigia are many as the area and the dirt coastal road is offered for walking, cycling, music and theater nights to the very beautiful and picturesque ‘’Stony Theater’’ that exists there.

Our new brochures for the summer of 2017 are at your disposal! Our staff is also available for any information regarding the tour timetable, help with any question you may have and of course book you one of the tours you wish and suits you best.

Choose a daily cruise for Gramvousa and Balos, a tour to Elafonisi or a hike to the unique Samaria gorge.

Take part to a journey through the centuries and the kingdom of king Minos by joining a daily tour of Knossos palace.

If you prefer an alternative we have also other suggestions. You can rent a bike and explore the province of Kissamos.

If you like the Cretan traditional cuisine, we have to suggest you a unique experience you will have the chance to see, once you take part to the cooking lessons we’re organizing on our small farmhouse to a village outside of Kissamos.

Other activities that you can take part into are the follows: Diving, Hiking, Wine tasting, Private cruises and many more.

In our office you can also buy your air and ferry tickets and make a booking for the accommodation that suits you, whether it is villa, hotel, in the city or the countryside.

Our office and its staff are always at your disposal and ready to fulfill your desires in order to make your vacation in Kissamos and Crete unforgettable.

Topolia

Topolia is a nice big village 16km away from Kissamos. Its villagers are mainly farmers and stock breeders. In Topolia is the well known ‘’Topolia gorge’’. It is a very beautiful scenery with overgrown olive trees and plane trees. Wild and imposing with sheer walls and height that reaches 300 meters with many cavities in different places. After crossing the tunnel you will reach the cave of Saint Sofia and her church at the entrance. In Topolia you will find many Byzantine churches with murals like Saint John the Theologist, Saint Paraskevi and Triumphal Cross.

Elos

One of the mountainous ‘’nine villages’’, Elos is a lush, picturesque and full of plane and chestnut trees village. You will find it on your way to Elafonisi and it constitutes a very beautiful station for traditional food and local taverns.

Elos is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in the province of Kissamos with running waters in many parts of the village. At the center of the village there are some cafes where you can enjoy a cool drink under the shade of towering trees.

Vlatos

Vlatos is a lush mountainous village. On your way there you can admire a perennial olive tree with colossal trunk which reveals its age. Vlatos is also known for the village of Milia located a few kilometers north. Milia is a village with no electricity, among chestnut trees, built with private initiative and has stony guest houses, traditional food and welcomes visitors all year around.

Chrisoskalitissa

It’s a small settlement 45km southwest of Kissamos. Named after its homonymous monastery where its located there and you have the possibility to visit it, while it’s definitely worth visiting at 15 of August where the celebration of the church takes place.

The monastery of Chrisoslaitissa is built upon a rock of 35m height and offers an amazing view of the Libyan sea. It is named after a tradition that says that among the 90 stairs that you need to climb in order to reach the monastery, one of them is made of gold and cannot be seen by sinners. It is believed that where the monastery is located today used to be a priory.

Nowadays the monastery of Chrisoskalitissa is devoted to the Assumption of Mary and Holy Triad. It is also said that the icon of the Assumption which is kept there is 1000 years old. It is also worth saying that the village of Chrisoskalitissa is only 5km away from the beach of Elafonisi.

Lousakies

Lousakies is a small village 10km Kissamos. It has a big folklore and cultural tradition because it’s the birthplace of Syrtos of Kissamos. Also every 15 of August in the church of Astratigos a big feast with music and dance takes place while traditional dishes are served.

If you find yourselves there you should not miss the gorge of Maganistra which starts south of Lousakies, it is 5km long and ends up to the establishment of Pateriana and the churches of Saint Polykarpos, Saint Barbara and Mary in Zachariana.

It is expected to be opened soon a folklore museum in Lousakies which will be housed in the old Elementary school and will host exhibits from the broader area of Kissamos.

Polyrinia

Polyrinia is a mountainous traditional village 6km from Kissamos. Named after the homonymous archaeological site which is located there and to which some of the materials found for the building of the village belong to.

It has preserved its traditional character with houses and alleys which lead to the village’s square. In the temple of Assumption of Mary which is built within a rock and used as a hidden school during the Turkish domination, you have the chance to admire some notable icons.

Historically, Polyrinia used to be a great and mighty city, it was amphitheatrically built and surrounded by high walls. It is said that the city found great prosperity during the Roman period and was a ‘’rival’’ of Kydonia

Mountainous or coastal, with only a few kilometers away from the town’s center it’s worth it discovering the villages of western Kissamos, taste the traditional Cretan cuisine and enjoy swimming on their beaches. Far from the impersonal mass tourism, the visitor in Kissamos will have the chance to spent his vacation among the locals and meet our Cretan products cooked with love and oriented towards quality and tradition.

Platanos, Sfinari, Kaliviani, Kaloudiana, Drapanias, Nopigia, Topolia, Elos, Vlatos, Chrisoskalitissa are some of the villages that are worth visiting.

Platanos

Platanos is the biggest village of the region and is located 10km from Kissamos. It is a modern, spacious village with around 1000 population which are occupied with agricultural works and tourism as well. Here we also meet Falassarna (5km) one of the most popular beaches in Greece, famous about its transparent waters and the beautiful sunset. The village of Platanos provides a lot of facilities, infirmary, gas stations, many shops, rental apartments and taverns. Platanos combines the traditional with the modern life, while in the last years there has been a population increase. Many of the locals occupy professionally themselves in Falassarna because of the tourism development in these parts.

Sfinari

The journey to Sfinari through the steep mountains and view to the sea will be unforgettable. You will reach this small sea-village after 17km from Kissamos. Sfinari combines perfectly the mountain and sea view. Along the coast you will find many taverns with traditional food and many rental apartments and rooms.

 Kaliviani

Kaliviani is a small traditional village, 7km from Kissamos. The church and the small cafes located to the villages square compose a picturesque image that impresses visitors.

Here you will find some of the most remarkable restaurants & taverns in the region of Kissamos, while through Kaliviani is possible for someone to drive with the car to the point where the path to the beach of Balos begins.

Around 1 km north of the village you will find a big enough beach with soft sand which is almost always empty. There you will be led by a smooth dirt road. The village is not touristic developed but has preserved its traditional character even being a few kilometers from Kissamos and the lagoon of Balos which attracts a big number of tourists during the summer season.

Drapanias

Drapanias is a coastal village that started developing in the sector of tourism in the last years, it has an organized and a very good beach for swimming.

There you will meet many cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy your food or drink with view to the sea.

In Drapanias there is also located the Venetian Trevizan villa. It’s one of the 120 feudal residences of Venetian and Cretan origin which exist in many places along Crete. It is a building from Renaissance age of high architecture and its composition has been influenced by local elements and the islands tradition. Although the villa is in a ruined state while the middle floor and the roof have fallen, it remains sturdy through the ages and quite imposing.

All the daily trips our office organizes, are in your disposal and you can send us your requests for participation in one of the trips, your questions, or any info you might need.

The cruises for Gramvousa and Balos have started on a daily basis since 23 of April. The timetable is every day at 10:40 and returns at 18:00. (Departure and return in the port of Kissamos) The price is 27 euro per adult and 13 euro per child. There is also the potential your departure to be from the port to Falassarna at 13:00 and return at 18:00.

If you live in Chania or one of these locations (Daratso, Ag.Apostoloi, Kalamaki, Stalos, Agia Marina, Platanias, Gerani, Maleme, Kolympari) there is the potentnial of transportation to the port for the Gramvousa and Balos cruise at the cost of 39euro. (Ship ticket and transportation)

A few days later we started the organized daily trips in the Elafonisi beach. We start daily from Chania to Kissamos (Starting point Chania at 8:30 last stop to our office (Balos travel) at 9:35). After a small intermediary stop we reach at the enchanting beach of Elafonisi at 11:00 where you can enjoy your swimming for 3 hours. On our way back we make a stop for lunch to a picturesque Cretan village for about 1 hour. Around 18:00 we return back to Kissamos and at 19:00 in Chania. The cost is 24 euro from either Chania or Kissamos.

Since 1st of May the biggest gorge of Europe, the Gorge of Samaria has opened. On daily basis tours, our office gives you the potential to live a unique hiking experience. The cost is 24 euro from Chania and 34 from Kissamos. See information and book your trip to Samaria gorge at least one day before.

One more special trip we organize is the daily tour to the palace of Knossos and the city of Heraclion. Here, you are given the opportunity to discover the way of life in one of the oldest civilizations, that of King Minoa! We can surely tell that this is a journey through the ages which ends up to the city of Heraclion and the archaeological museum of the city. The tour takes place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday. The cost is 34 euro from Chania and  44 euro from Kissamos.

Browse our site and see all the info of our tours and of course the booking procedure through the communication form you ll find at the end of every page. Always  remember to fill all the necessery fields at the form (name-e-mail-phone-country-number of persons-hotel)

Apart from the above trips, we suggest you  different and alternative proposals such as the trip to a small farmhouse and the cooking lessons, cycling tours, hiking tours, diving, wine tasting and many more. You ll find all the details at the page of alternative tourism in our website.

Happy ventures and have a nice summer!

The medicinal or therapeutic plants also known as herbs are a big part of the plant kingdom. These herbs provide active substances that after their intake of a living organism present the pharmaceutical property of a medicine. All parts of a plant can be identified as pharmaceuticals, whether flower, leaves and fruits or stem and roots. Aromatic plants are beautiful and fragrant and provide an abundance of useful pharmaceutical properties while at the same time are being used every day for cooking.

Some of the herbs that we use mostly in Kissamos and in Crete are the follows:

THYME

It’s a bush of small height (30 cm), with upright sprouts, extremely durable, scents a pleasant aroma. Located in the southern and Mediterranean regions of Europe, in different regions of Asia and cultivated in North America.

When dried, the leaves of thyme take a green-brown color and give off their aroma when crushed. Their flavor is very strong, slightly spicy and rich. Along with its dried flowers it is used as spice for the flavoring of different dishes of fish, meats, many sauces, soups etc. It’s one of the main ingredients of the Benedictine liquor.

Thyme is particularly loved by bees and thyme honey is of exceptional quality.

OREGANO

The plant has a height of 20-80 cm and its leaves are of opposite lengths 1-4 cm. Its flowers are white-purple color and blooms especially from June until August depending on the region.

Greek Oregano is a perennial and bushy plant and its quality is considered to be the best worldwide. Apart from its distinctive aroma and flavor in the food, oregano has a lot of pharmaceutical properties, most importantly (known pharmaceuticals) the active substance of carvacrol. It’s anti-diarrhea, anti-inflammatory and bactericidal. In tea-form it’s used for laxity of the intestines, expectorant for cough, helps against hypertension and arteriosclerosis. The oil of oregano helps in toothache.

It’s used as a seasoning mostly in cooking and less often as tea, which is referred to be helpful against cough. It’s commonly used in the salad.

The harvesting of oregano begins at the flowering of the plant, the plants are being dried in special canopies or driers and then are grinded and sieved.

It’s the main seasoning of Mediterranean countries and the main ingredient of the Greek and Italian cuisine.

ROSEMARY

It’s an aromatic, evergreen bush which belongs at the race of ‘’Rosemarinos’’ and the family of weeds. It sprouts itself and is evergreen, it is known since ancient Rome and Greece for its cooking and medicinal purposes.

It is said to be one of the herbs Adam and Eve took along when banished from Heaven. That’s why God gave it special medicinal properties in order to alleviate humanity.

Rosemary has exceptional curing and pharmaceutical properties and for this reason it’s widely used in pharmaceuticals.

Rosemary is one of the main herbs of the Mediterranean cuisine. It matches with baked potatoes and fried as well. Gives a nice smell to the bread, beef, lamb, game hunting, fish, seafood, omelets, soups, sauces, vegetables and snails. Generally it has high durability in cooking and can be used from the start of the cooking.

SPEARMINT

It’s a very popular kind of plant in Greece, with a nice and very pleasant fragrance which is cultivated in patios and gardens. Spearmint belongs in the family of mint and has the same aromatic properties with it .In order for it to thrive it needs rich, damp soil and sunny weather or some shade. It blooms from July until September and has little pink or purple flowers. Spearmint belongs to the plants that multiply and interbreed so easily, that it’s easy for someone to find more than 30 different kinds.

Spearmint can be harvested all year long and we can have it always fresh in a pot or dry it in a vase.

Its restorative, digestive, soothes the stomach, antispasmodic, stops the hiccups, while the chewing of its leaves relieves from migraines and toothache.

PARSLEY

Its leaves contain a large amount of vitamin A and C and inorganic salts. It also contains a very strong oil in its spores in which aphrodisiac properties exist.

It goes perfectly with fish, meats, sauces, soups and vegetables.

In our small botanical garden you can meet all of the above herbs and many more. In our cooking lessons you will have the chance to see their different uses and of course taste them in different combinations with other local products.

The Archaeological Museum of Kissamos is housed in a Venetian-Turkish monument known as the “headquarters”. It is located in the Venetian residential area, which was originally outside the wall of the Venetian castle, “castel Chissamos”, from which the previous name of the town , Kastelli, derives. During the Turkish occupation of the island the castle was enlarged and the building enclosed inside the fortification walls. Over time the monument was remodelled many times; the last one being its recent transformation into this museum in 2000. The exhibits present the history of the Kissamos district from prehistoric times through late antiquity (Early Christian period). The material is displayed according to chronology and geography, and covers two floors.

On a computer screen just inside Room 1 to the right, visitors can see a slide presentation about the A.D. 365 earthquake that destroyed Kissamos as it more or less simultaneously struck the rest of Crete and a wide area of the Mediterranean basin.

GROUND FLOOR

  Room 1 : The exhibit begins with a general chronological table and a map showing the archaeological sites. These are followed by a display of finds from the Minoan excavation at Nopigia, formerly in the community of Drapanias.

  Room 2: This room contains finds from the Geometric to the Hellenistic period that elucidate the development of the two most important city-states in West Crete, Polyrinia and Phalasarna. Both cities became powerful in the Hellenistic period, Polyrinia as a land power and Phalasarna as a naval power.

  Room 3: Presentation of the Hellenistic period continues here with ceramic finds from minor regional towns. The most characteristic pottery produced in western Crete at this time were black-glazed amphoras with applied relief decoration. Important Hellenistic inscriptions and most of the Kissamos sculpture collection are also exhibited, most of which date to the Roman Imperial period.

Under the staircase to the upper floor, part of a Roman bath can be seen in situ. It was excavated during the building’s recent renovation into a museum.

UPPER FLOOR  The entire upper floor is devoted to the Hellenic-Roman city of Kissamos. It is an effort to present a comprehensive exhibition of the Roman period, which left many monuments in Crete but tends to be overshadowed by the Minoan civilization.

A port on the crossroad  of Mediterranean shipping routes, Kissamos flourished during the Roman Imperial period. Public buildings, especially bath complexes (thermae0, with luxurious marble architecture and sculpture, reveal wealth and a love for decoration. Among the numerous discoveries, the lavish urban villas with elaborate mosaic floors stand out. In addition to stunning mosaics, the villas were furnished with carved marble tables and decorated with marble sculpture and frescoes.

The exhibition begins in the stairwell hall where general information about the period is available. Fresco fragments and carved marble table-supports found in local excavations are also displayed.

  Room 4: This is the largest room in the museum and contains unique mosaic floors with figurative representations, a fragment of an inlaid (opus sectile) floor, a sundial and sculpture from the atria of some of the villas.

  Room 5: This room focuses on the economy of the Hellenic-Roman city, with coins and coin hoards (in a separate showcase), and its trade relations via local and imported amphoras.

  Room 6: These exhibits reveal daily life in the Hellenic-Roman city up to its destruction in A.D. 365 by an earthquake. Domestic vessels and miscellaneous objects made of ceramic, metal and bone are displayed with products of local ceramic and metal workshops. In a separate showcase, metal objects found in the destruction level are displayed. Larger objects, vases and pictures of human bodies buried in the destruction debris are also on view.

  Room 7: This room focuses on the “world of death”. One showcase is devoted to a family burial from the 4th century B.C., an early period in the history of Kissamos. Most of the ther exhibits are grave goods and monuments from the Roman Imperial period. Some finds and inscriptions from early Christian graves are presented which preserve ancient burial customs. They demonstrate that after the calamitous earthquake of A.D. 365, but mainly from the beginning of 5th century A.D., a new religion was established in the town. A separate showcase containing all jewellery of precious material, most of which came from graves, is also in the room.

Our office is on your disposal for any information and of course for renting a bike to explore Kissamos, the historical center and visit the Archaeological Museum of Kissamos

Sourse: Kissamos an ideal place for alternative tourism

In the archaic times, the city of Polyrinia was one of the most important and most powerful cities in West Crete. The city was built amphitheatrically on a top of a hill, six km south of Kissamos. Polyrinia was Kissamos port. On the top of the hill stood its Acropolis, “T” shaped and surrounded by cyclopean walls.

At the beginning, the Polyrinians used to live in small settlements, but with the descent of Archaeans and Lacedaemonians they got used to live within the stronghold which they fortified with walls.

The name of the city, meaning “Many sheeps”, indicates the posessions of its inhabitants.

Polyrinia was one of the cities forming the union of Cretan cities, with Gymenis II of Pergamos, in 170 b.C. ;  the city had also signed the treaty of alliance with the lonicGeo, in 193 b.C.

The people of the area were devoted in worshipping their gods. At the site of modern Chalkoklissia used to be the temple of Diktyna Artemis. Besides Diktyna the people used to worship the Cretan-born Zeus and Athenaq with helmet and spear, fact that bears wittness of their warlike character.

In his return from Troy, a tempest drove Agamemnon towards Crete; he reached the area of Polyrinia, where he landed, and he ascented the hill to offer up a sacrifice to gods.

During the sacrifice he got informed that the prisoners had set  fire to the ships, thus he was forced to descend, leaving the sacrifice unfinished. Since then, any riotous sacrifice used to be called “Cretan sacrifice”.

Even before 220 b.C. , when Knossos and Gortyna allied had subjugated almost the whole of Crete, Polyrinia broke off from their coalition and allied itself with Lytto and Philip V, king of Macedonia, who sent them soldiers to assist at the siege of Kydonia, Aptera and Eleftherna; Polyrinia thus forced those cities to break off their coalition with Knossos.

In Polyrinia used to live and work Kallikritos (3rd c.  b.C.). Ptolemy the hymnographer, who wrote encomiums for Isis (2nd c. b.C.), and Ptolemy the interpreter of dreams.

Polyrinia flourished under Romans and became the rival city of Kydonia the submission of the island to the Romans promoting its development. With the invasion of the Romans to the island, the Polyrinians did not participate  to the common struggle of the people of Knossos and Kydonia againstthe Romans, because of their enmity to the Kydonians.

They did not though take openly the side of the outlandish invaders, but their name can not be found among the names of the cities that fought for the common cause of their fathersland. This policy was advantageous for Rome.

The statue of Metellos, erected immediately after his domination, is proof of the people regarding him as a saviour and benefactor.

As of that. the city gained privileges, circulated its own coins, and enjoyed the favour of emperors August, Caligula, Trajan and others. A still existing inscription betrays that the people of Polyrinia were benefited by emperor Hadrian.

Under his reign a high street was constructed as well as tunnels, 1,35m, wide and 2,30m high, leading through rocky soil to a water reservoir.

Not far from the water reservoir, above the city, there is the Dove-cave, inside which was standing the statue of the nymph-goddess of the spring in an alcove

Visit Polyrinia with a mountain bike ! Rent a bike from our office in Kissamos.

Sourse: KISSAMOS an ideal place for alternative tourism (A sightseeing guide for the former municipalities of Kissamos – Mithymna – Inahorio 2006 – 2007)

The area of ​​Kissamos has dozens of proposals for cycling excursions. We left behind the winter and we are welcoming the spring.

This winter offer us a lot of rains, as a result, green routes for the whole season in conjunction with running water in rivers and streams. So do not miss the chance to enjoy unique excursions with a mountain bike.

Balos travel mountain bikes are ready, and the first days of April are recommended for the best cycling excursions.

We suggest you some routes and you just have to send us your requests.

Nopigia! The trip starts from the centre of Kissamos and lasts about 4-5 hours. We head northeast out of the town, coastally at the Kissamos Bay for about 7 km.

We carry on alongshore to the village of Nopigia for about 3 km. There we can enjoy the panoramic view of the bay and take the dirt road which leads us to the stone theatre, the church and the beach until the end of the road (Spatha peninsula).

The route is enriched with flowers, herbs and trees, «wild» goats as well as birds of prey.

Balos! The trip starts from the centre of Kissamos and lasts 5-6 hours. We head northwest, out of the town, coastally, and we reach the village of Kalyviani. We carry on for about 11 km admiring the bay of Kissamos, until the end of the road. Then we walk until we reach the stony stairs that will take us to the lagoon of Balos after about half an hour. There will be stops during which can rest and admire the lagoon scenery lying at our feet.

The blue-green waters, the wild beauty and the amazing scenery there is nothing to envy from other exotic destinations. The beauty of Balos is combined with its great diversity of rare plants and small animals which are unique in this part of the world.

Ancient Polyrinia! The trip starts from the centre of Kissamos and lasts 6 hours. We head south between Cretan villages in a picturesque natural landscape, to arrive after an uphill path in the historic village Polirinia with panoramic view at 420 meters.

We tour the newest village Polirinia and then in ancient Polirinia which dates from the eleventh century BC. Today it is considered as one of the most important archaeological sites of the area.

More cycling excursions HERE

You can also rent a bike and explore Kissamos alone under our suggestions and information.

Yiannis

My name is Eleni and live in Kissamos of Chania for 40 years now, in other words my whole life. I love my hometown and all it has to offer. The sun, the sea, the quiet way of life and all the products that our land offers us lavishly!

I started my family from a very young age and while being mother of three boys, the urge of cooking right and proper from the beginning was imperative! I was lucky enough to be taught by my mother, an experienced and skilled cook that she learned in her turn from her own mother to cook all the delicious traditional meals of the Cretan cuisine! A few years now, me and my mother welcome people from around the world who love the Cretan nutrition, in our family farmhouse which is dated since 1926. We share with them all the secrets of the Cretan cuisine with great joy, we cook together and afterwards we sit all together around the table to enjoy the result!

While the food is being cooked, the visitors have the chance to see the olive grove which circles the house and learn information not only about the harvest and the processing of the olive but the production of the blessed olive oil as well which composes the base of our nutrition. They can also see the stomping ground where the wine is made, visit the family cellar, observe the large variety of vegetables we cultivate in our gardens and smell our scented herbs and plants in our botanical garden.

In our grove there are a lot of citrus trees that enrich our sweet and salty creations even more and among these our chickens, lambs and other domestic animals. People of all ages trust us by spending an afternoon with us, living as ‘’locals’’ during their summer vacation and the feelings this experience floods me in I wouldn’t change for anything in the world!

We welcome you at our “Cretan traditional Cooking Lessons“.

Eleni

On Monday 20 March we had vernal equinox. So the spring of 2017 has officially started in the north hemisphere in which our country belongs. In reverse in the south hemisphere it will start in the fall.

So, on Monday the sun was shining vertical, above the equator of earth and the duration of the day and night was almost the same.

If someone takes a walk around Kissamos, coastal, or on a hill, or mountain he will find out from nature itself that spring is here. So you don’t need to have any knowledge of astronomy in order to find out that spring is here, but go out in the nature, by foot or bicycle.

This year’s winter gave us plenty of rains resulting rich flowering in all trees and plants after the first sunshine

First to blossom were the almond trees, following the orange trees, tangerines and all the citrus trees. Now is the turn of olive trees, aromatic and therapeutic herbs to blossom.

This week is ideal for pruning the vineyards and arbors which blossom a bit later.

Colors vary and impress in every corner of the street and in every mountaintop. Vivid red, bright orange, yellow, dark purple and soft azure…all of the flower colors, as well as the colors that change at the flowers during their lifetime. Different colors of the flowers of the same species, and sometimes of the same plant.

At this period in Kissamos, apart from a hike in the nature, there is a possibility of team ventures in the nature. Who wishes may participate in different actions which occur from bodies of Kissamos.

Very often (usually Sunday’s) the team ‘’Clean beaches in Kissamos’’ organizes cleanings of the beaches (you can learn about here) . On Sunday 9 of April within the context of ‘’Let’s do it’’ more than 10 different places (beaches, villages and paths) in all of Kissamos will be cleaned at 10:30 p.m. (start time) from several cultural organizations.

After Easter, hiking teams, the Mountaineering club and private citizens will begin the opening (cleaning and signage) of many pathways. Like the pathway of Falassarna-Balos, gorge of Sirikari and many more.

Participating in these actions you also have the chance for ventures in the spring nature.

Stay tuned to our blog in order to learn news and activities in the region of Kissamos

Yiannis

Yesterday Sunday 19 March we had in Kissamos a sunny spring day, after several rainy days. It was a day that you couldn’t stay indoors but couldn’t work either! So we decided with two friends to visit the lagoon of Balos.

In my opinion the season of spring is the ideal period for someone to visit the countryside and the beaches of Kissamos, Balos, Elafonisi and Falassarna which are much more crowded in summer. This Sunday we chose our favorite, the lagoon of Balos.

We started with the car at around 16:00, which we parked a few kilometers before the beach and continued on foot. On the way we met people gathering wild greens and snails, something that is offered a lot at this time of year, especially after the spring rains. From the village of Kaliviani where it begins, to the lagoon of Balos, the cape of Gramvousa offers exceptional flora and fauna.

After a bit of walking we reached the first stop-square where someone can admire the magnificent landscape of Balos. In all the way, sheep, goats and endemic birds accompanied our trip, carefree from the solitude and quiet of winter.

The path that leads to the beach is in good condition, but it certainly needs a lot of attention at the outer side of the wall. Because of the many recent rainfalls the soil is very soft and there is danger of subsidence of the wall. If someone is planning on visiting Balos this period, we strongly advise him to walk the path from the left side and not from the side where the cliff is. When the rains stop completely, the municipality will undertake all the repairs needed so the road will be ready to welcome the many visitors of the summer season.

After many and beautiful photos and a bit more walk we reached the beach of Balos. We were alone!!! Total serenity and quiet!!! The three of us along with three moored boats in the crystal waters of the lagoon.

We walked a bit around the beach enjoying the quiet ant tranquility of this imposing landscape.

The sun was hidden behind a few clouds composing a winter scenery and blocked the appearance of the lagoons teal waters we’re used to. On the other, it gave us a beautiful, different and special sunset!

When the sun set and dusk started to fall, we decided to take the road back after the three of us decided that we have to repeat that trip, definitely with more time in our hands and with our swimsuits for a swim in the crystal waters.

I strongly recommend a trip at this period in this exotic landscape of Kissamos. Our office will be at your disposal for any information if you want to go hiking or rent a bike for your visit.

The cruises will commence after 20 April for those who wish to visit Balos or the island of Gramvousa and have an all-day sea experience.

Happy ventures!

John

Since ancient times, the cultivation of music in Crete held a special place. From archaeological excavations (Knossos, Phaistos, etc.) and the ancient texts we get valuable information about music and dances in Crete.

Representations (sculpture, ceramics, painting) depicting musicians and dancers which refer to nowadays, that the lyre player plays in the middle and the dancers dance around in  circle. In the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion a flute ,with rings of removable cover holes to render the notes, is saved. From extracts  of ancient drama we learn that “Minos ordered  along with his son, Glaucus, and his flutes to be buried, which he both loved when he was  alive.” There  are also  displays of  flutes, double-reed pipes, voukina ( horns), trumpets. The ancient guitar was not popular in Crete, but the ancient lyre was played, as it can be seen by representations in writings, murals, stamps, etc.

Numerous researchers studied ancient Greek music, as well as, the accompanying dances  (pirrihis, yporchima). From these scientists come many information about musical instruments and the music of the Minoans and ancient Greeks. There are many that give a basis for the continuation of the Greek musical and dance tradition through the centuries.

Especially for the music, it must be said that, it had a leading role in the life of ancient Greeks and Cretans and accompanied their daily activities with all of its forms: weddings, deaths, celebrations for the worship of gods, war and love.
The instruments used were percussion, wind and stringed musical instruments. Especially in Cretan music, there were older wind instruments ,such as fiampoli, askomantoura and sfyrohabiolo. The stringed instruments were the lyraki and viololyra,  the violin, the lyre, the lute and mandolin. The distribution of these traditional musical instruments has not been even throughout the island. So, we have, in  eastern and western Crete, the violin with the company of guitar, mandola or mandolin, small drum and lute,  respectively, while, the basic zygia lute- lyre, became popular throughout Crete, but in a different style and color depending on the area.
Crete has special musical tradition, from which, undoubtedly stand  out the rizitika, songs from the “roots” (= feet)   of the White Mountains, which are divided into rizitika of the table and rizitika of the walk. The first are sang without instruments from two antiphonal groups of men singers , while the second are sang  by people walking with the company of musical instruments.

At Kissamos province, which was geographically closer to Western Europe,  the violin was and is the main musical instrument, along with the lute,  creating a unique musical tradition based on the melodies of syrtos.  In this area, the presence of wind instruments is not strong due to the uniqueness  of the area, that combines  sea contact with ,not so intense, contact with the rugged mountains, which did not perhaps  give the shepherds, who are the main inventors of  askomantoura (from sheep leather) and sfyrohabiolo  (from reed) , the opportunity  to flourish and make their living, at the expense of the violin. Moreover, the strong influence of the sea is clearly reflected in the music, too. It is no coincidence that, both syrta and  syrtos itself as a dance, is faster and more aggressive than the rest of Crete.

The prevalence of the violin, of course, is directly connected with the existence of great violin players in Kissamos, such as  Charchalis, Marianos, Naftis, Kounelis.

Basic  influence of Kissamos music was the coexistence of the Turkish conquerors with the locals, who created a new class of inhabitants, not only in Kissamos, but throughout the island, and, while most were Christians ,who converted to Islam, they had  the experiences and the love for the Cretan music and dance. Typical example,  the tune  Karagkioules, composed by Mustafa Karagkioule in Kallergiana of Kissamos which is performed until today.

Cretan music and dances you can enjoy all the year in events (panigiri) but mostly in the summer months. Balos Travel can give you useful information about all the events at Kissamos area. From June to November we organize tours that you can participate and discover real Crete.

You can search for a tour for music and dances in alternative tourism website section or at our blog.

 The most important dietary element is olive oil, which for Cretans as well as for all the people of the Mediterranean constitutes the basic source of fat. Especially in Crete, 120 gr of olive oil is consumed daily whereas in every other part of the world no more than 30 gr is consumed on a daily basis.

Olive oil is basic for the nutrition in Crete and more particularly, in the area of Kissamos. It is used in most dishes, substituting butter or other types of edible oil that are used in other parts of the world. The nutritional value is enormous given the fact that it constitutes the most powerful natural anti-oxidant, which protects the human body from oxidation and the development of free radicals which cause serious diseases.

The Mediterranean climate and the good constitution of soil in Crete allows olive trees not only to grow everywhere, on plains as well as mountainous areas, and to produce the best possible quality of olive oil, with low acidity and fabulous aroma. The fact that Cretans live longer and have the lowest rate of diseases seems to be directly linked to the fact that they are also the largest consumers of olive oil on a world scale.

After the winter rains (March-April) and when we have a few days with lots of sun the olive trees bloom. After several weeks appears the wrist which is ready for harvest end of October. This wrist provides us the famous olive oil.

Visit our olive groves where you can learn about production and many interesting information about olive trees, olive oil and mediterranean cooking.

In our Cretan Traditional Cooking Lessons and tour to the farm you will have the opportunity to enjoy Cretan hospitality, combined with tasting and cooking, in Kissamos, Chania, Crete.

“…Olive oil, compared to edible seed oil, is rich in mono-saturated fatty acids which are resistant to oxidation and reduce LDL cholesterol whithout affecting HDL cholesterol, which protects fron atherosclerosis… Olive oil is also rich in anti-oxidant substances such as tocopheroles and hydroxyphenoles, which protect not only fron atherosclerosis but also from various forms of cancer by blocking free toxic radicals. It is worth mentioning that the constitution of olive oil in fatty acids is similar to the one of maternal milk…”  Antonis Kafatos, Professor of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition, University of Crete.

Kissamos has a large variety of walks which can easily be included in your daily exercise plan and are close to your residence. There are also hiking paths which are described in detail further on. The most beatifull and famous is part of the European hiking route E4.

The hiking route E4 has been classified as a hiking track and leads across Crete. The track is long and difficult  in parts but we suggest doing the section from Kissamos to Elafonissi and back to Kissamos.

The path starts from Kissamos and is passing through the villages Polyrinia, Galouvas, Zahariana, Sfinari, Kampos, Keramoti, Amygdalokefali, Vathi, Chrysoskalitissa, Elafonissi.

Polyrinia : In the archaic time, the city of Polyrinia was one of the most important and most powerful cities in West Crete. The city was built amphitheatrically on top of a hill 6km south of Kissamos. On top of the hill stood its acropolis, T-shaped and surrounded by huge walls with unobstructed view, spreading from the Cretan to the Libyan sea.

Today the water system, old buildings and alleyways, the Venetian fortress, the foundations of the temple of Artemis, together with a church built of stone showing archaic inscriptions as well as archaic under rocks can be visited. The small roads of the village is also a very good hiking experience.

Chrysoskalitissa : The monastery imposing, built on a small hill, overlooks the sea inviting you to relish on the peacefulness and at the same time the wilderness of nature, on the tranquility and the turmoil of the people.

According to tradition, of the 90 steps leading to the top of the rock one is made of gold, but the sinners cannot see it (this gave the monastery its name: Chrysoskalitissa (gold ladder)).

It is not known, though, when and how it has been deserted, also it is not known when did the today’s monastery that is dedicated to the virgin Mary established. Noteworthy though is the celebration taking place there on the 15th of August.

Elafonissi : The landscape is breathtaking, with alternations of colours on the beach, rich small grove of palm-trees and, finally, the islet of Elafonissi that besides its main participation in the natural beauty you see it has a long history as well as remarkable flora and fauna.

It has been characterized as an ecotope. The beach is ideal for swimming for adults but mainly for children. The water is crystal clearing and shallow.

If you don’t wish to follow this hiking route our office organize also daily tour to Elafonissi with bus transfer and guide.